Traditional Manual PT

Treatment Techniques

Soft tissue mobilization is a direct approach that works on the soft tissues of the body, superficial to deep, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments to release dysfunction/restrictions that may be preventing movement and healing. Some of the more common disorders that soft tissue mobilization is used for: shoulder/rotator cuff tendonitis, hamstring strain, low back pain, and intercostal pain (muscles between the ribs).

Joint Mobilization

This is a direct technique to release restrictions in the joints, such as those in the foot, spine, or frozen shoulder.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

PNF integrates manual touch with movement patterns to the limbs or the trunk (body) to increase range of motion (flexibility) and neuromuscular reeducation of the limbs and the trunk. Improved flexibility of the arms, legs, and trunk will lead to better coordination, strength, and function during activities.

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I have had very significant scoliosis and osteoporosis for many years and I have gone to very “reputable’ physical therapists through the years, but never felt satisfied. A few years ago, I went to my internist for a physical and mentioned I was having back pain. He recommended that I start seeing Denise at The Manual Touch. Due to my past experiences, I was skeptical regarding the success that I could have with another therapist. From my first visit I could tell that Denise had a ve…

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As a young elite athlete I was involved in numerous accidents resulting in scar tissue causing loss of flexibility and restrictions as an adult. After each treatment I feel so much less restriction and experience greater range of motion.

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This is better than going to the doctor and taking medicine.

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Just a note to thank you for the time you spent with me Saturday in evaluating my running technique and body alignment. Your suggestions are already making sense and having an early impact. After our meeting, I went out for a 5K run and found your suggestions “to shorten my stride” and “being conscious of not overlapping my steps” to be helpful.
Thanks Denise

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I came in to see Denise due to a cervical disc herniation. I have been told by Illinois Bone & Joint that they refer patients to Denise often as she is able to help when other physical therapy programs fail. That was definitely the case in my situation.
I had 6 weeks of PT at another location but still was unable to turn my head fully or work at a desk without terrible pain. After seeing Denise and following her exercise program, I was almost back to normal within a few short months. I…

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I had constant neck pain from a car accident 2 years ago. I went through PT somewhere else without any good results. I then was recommended to come to The Manual Touch PT.
At my first appointment I could tell that Denise was able to get right to the point of my problems. After numerous therapy sessions I felt such a relief of my constant pain. It is better now, I can sleep better and use less pain medication. My goal is to avoid surgery and I feel hopeful that will be possible.

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The best physical therapist I’ve ever experienced is Denise Schwartz in Wheeling at the Manual Touch. I have seen Denise twice for over 6 months to treat 2 bouts of frozen shoulder that occurred 8 years apart. In addition to my shoulder, she has also helped with my back, exercise regimen, and overall health. She is a holistic practitioner expert in PT techniques and knows how to teach her clients how to fit her techniques easily into their lives. She relates with her clients about as well as any…

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When I started to work with Denise I had shoulder and lower back pain. She taught me various exercises along with posture that resulted in significant reduction in the pain. Also, significantly improved my balance. Her massage therapy greatly reduced the sensitivity to pressure that was caused by my open-heart surgery.

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I had 2 total hip replacements and a knee replaced. I found the exercises to be tremendously helpful. Denise educated me on how I need to move my body to keep it in alignment and she was most helpful and encouraging.

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I have really appreciated the physical therapy services provided by Denise Schwartz for the severe osteoporosis in my spine. I feel the exercises she has taught me have improved my overall strength and balance, and helped minimize pain from certain movements. I also feel more confident that I am moving correctly in my everyday activities to prevent any further problems. Also, Denise’s gentle massage techniques at the end of the sessions help to minimize any discomfort that occasionally can come…

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Our Mission

We believe all body systems and mental/emotional health are connected. We take a whole body approach to discover why patients are not healing and what were the initial causes of their current symptoms.

Our mission is to use this whole body approach to help patients heal and overcome pain and limitations, resulting in improved quality of life.

I have had very significant scoliosis and osteoporosis for many years and I have gone to very “reputable’ physical therapists through the years, but never felt satisfied. A few years ago, I went to my internist for a physical and mentioned I wa…

Last winter our daughter Maddie had had several eye and ear infections, and all required topical and oral antibiotics. These were instigated by a plugged tear duct. A pediatric ophthalmologist said there was little chance the duct would open up o…

The best physical therapist I’ve ever experienced is Denise Schwartz in Wheeling at the Manual Touch. I have seen Denise twice for over 6 months to treat 2 bouts of frozen shoulder that occurred 8 years apart. In addition to my shoulder, she has also…

Just a note to thank you for the time you spent with me Saturday in evaluating my running technique and body alignment. Your suggestions are already making sense and having an early impact. After our meeting, I went out for a 5K run and found you…

Denise is the best! 4 weeks before my first marathon she suggested a couple minor tweaks to my form and it immediately improved my comfort and speed. My next run was a 5 miler, and I felt so good that I ran it almost a minute / mile faster. Best run …

Denise Schwartz at The Manual Touch is A GREAT Physical Therapist! I came to her
with a torn ligament and tendonitis in my foot AFTER going to 2 other well know PT chains who
actually made my injuries worse. Not only did she help me heal from tho…

I saw Denise at The Manual Touch recently for sciatic pain, that only the day before I saw Denise kept me from walking; I could only hobble for short distances before I would sit down and collapse. After some tissue work and gentle exercise with Deni…

Judy has been living with Rheumatoid arthritis for the past 30+ years and typically uses a wheelchair around her house and a cane or walker outside.
“I seem to be in less pain, can stand longer. I also am walking somewhat straighter and further.”…